Europeans, especially blue -eyed, are offspring of Neanderthals

When Darwin presented the theory of evolution, he was portrayed as a chimpanzee. Today we know that we share a common ancestor and 98-99 percent, and 99.5 to 99.9 percent of genetic similarities with Neanderthals.

We have long believed that our ancestors, contemporary people, were pushed out by « outdated » Neanderthals. Hardvard professor David Reich and in his book Who we are and how we have come here He says Europeans are particularly descendants of Neanderthals and that we have 20 percent of their genes. Genetic analyzes reveal that Neanderthals were often light -skinned, blue -eyed and blond hair with straight hair and distinct noses, while our African ancestors had darker complexion, curly hair and dark eyes.

The Neanderthals inhabited the land of 360,000 years, 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. Modern people are 50,000 in Europe, seven times less. 50,000 years ago, the land was inhabited by five human species: Homo sapiens (we settled the whole world from Africa), Homo Neanderthalensis (Europe and part of Asia), Denisovans (Asia, Siberia), Homo Luzonensis (Philippines) and Homo Floresisis (South Asia). Today we have left only homo sapiens.

The Neanderthals had a choked, muscular body, which allowed them to effectively maintain heat in cold climates. The average men reached a height of between 165 and 170 centimeters, just less than modern people of the time, while women were slightly lower – about 155 and 160 centimeters. Their power was such that the average Neanderthal woman went beyond the power of modern men.

Men’s fossils show frequent fractures and severe injuries, mostly the consequences of physical trauma from fighting with much more severe animals. Women also had relatively frequent serious injuries, indicating that they participated in the hunt, probably in the second row. The frequency of « middle » injuries in men and women shows that Neanderthals occasionally deal with each other, such as modern people, but still with fewer injuries.

In the fight, not only the power, but also the weapons, skill and numbers, decide, otherwise the chimpanzees would overcome people. Although modern people lived with Neanderthals for 7000 years, they probably won the line of remote weapons and numerous communities (greater fertility). But 7000 years is a severe long time, which means that they have participated in one way or another.

I have already published about the predominantly white complexion and different hair colors when this was a thesis in the world, but now new insights are boiling on the day through sophisticated genetic analyzes. Genetic research shows that Neanderthals had different pigmentation of skin, hair and eyes.

Different shades from red and light to dark brown appeared. The color of the eyes was also diverse; Some individuals had light blue or green eyes and others dark brown. Why did they have mostly straight, not curly hair? Because the water drains faster and therefore picks up less heat. We have a brighter complexion because we use D-vitamin more effectively. Blue eyes may be nicer and therefore sexually attractive, but may be better seen in the woods.

There are two main theories that try to explain the interactions between modern people and Neanderthals. The first theory claims that the Neanderthals were extinct because of competitive pressures of homo sapiens (probably or, above all, violent), changes in the environment and disease. Another theory emphasizes the importance of peer crucifixion.

This variant seems more logical, as in history, as a rule, men have killed men and appropriated their women. Why studies spoke about a few percent of Neanderthal genes in us, modern people, is one possible reason for DNA to « purify » Neanderthal genes over the years. Another explanation is that it was persistent as incorrect and that Dr. David Reich first publicly announced this.

The question of whether we are more advanced or behind because of Neanderthal heritage remains open – maybe we are simply a unique blend of the best from both worlds.

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Matjaž Gams, electrical engineer and doctor of computer science and informatics, IJS.

The article is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily express the views of the editorial board.